To the parents who are passionate about baseball and fully aware of the potential threats posed by line drives and broken bats, this message may not resonate with you. However, for those like me who anticipate a carefree evening at the ballpark with family, it’s crucial to be informed about the hidden dangers.
Last summer, my perspective changed forever. My kids received complimentary tickets to a local minor league game through a reading initiative at school. It was a lovely spring night, complete with a fireworks display planned after the game. We were surrounded by my children’s classmates and their families, enjoying the atmosphere. As the ninth inning approached, the kids became more restless and many of them moved down to the first row, eager to be closer to the action, leaning against the concrete barrier separating fans from the field. Noticing that no parents were escorting them back to their seats, it became clear that a valuable lesson needed to be learned.
I was seated just a few rows behind when I heard my husband shout, “Heads up!” In an instant, I was struck directly in the eye by a line drive traveling over 100 mph. I had mere seconds to react—almost no time at all. This incident landed me in the trauma unit, and I didn’t return home for three days. Tragically, I am now blind in my right eye, a condition that will remain permanent.
Through my advocacy for fan safety, I’ve discovered that such incidents are alarmingly common, often resulting in severe injuries. Before that fateful night, I believed that I could either catch a ball headed my way or sidestep it in time. The reality is starkly different; there isn’t even enough time for your brain to fully recognize the danger, let alone for a child to react. Recently, a young boy was hit in the head at a college stadium in Missouri and remains in the ICU, facing a long recovery. There was also the heartbreaking incident involving a toddler at Yankee Stadium last fall. Whether at a major league, minor league, college, or local park, the risks are present everywhere.
Parents, Please Exercise Caution
Parents, please exercise caution at baseball games. While many parks offer family-friendly promotions to attract crowds, they often do little to shield fans from the real dangers posed by line drives and broken bats. Baseball organizations consistently fail to adequately inform the public about these hazards. They are aware of the frequency of such injuries, yet they do not take sufficient measures to protect attendees.
The injury I sustained occurred at a minor league park where the proximity to potential hazards is significantly greater. When attending games with children, it is vital to choose seats behind protective netting. If you feel unsafe in your current location, don’t hesitate to request a different seat. And remember, just because there’s no netting beyond the dugouts doesn’t mean it’s safe; I was seated beyond the dugouts when I was injured, and I’ve spoken with others who have suffered similar fates in those areas. The danger is just as real.
I learned this lesson through a painful experience, and I feel compelled to share this warning with others. I am committed to preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future. If your local ballpark lacks netting that extends to the foul poles or, at the very least, to the far end of the dugouts, I urge you to reach out and ask why this crucial safety measure isn’t in place. Your safety should always come first.
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In Summary
In summary, while attending a baseball game can be a delightful family outing, it’s essential to remain vigilant about safety. Ensuring that protective measures are in place can make a significant difference in preventing accidents. Be proactive and prioritize your family’s safety during these outings.